I use a crane to launch my FC470. Currently, for the two stern attachment points I use one of the carrying handles on either side, which take the load quite well, and the bow "eye" attachment point. Thus, I use a 3 point attachment.

My question is whether I would be better off installing two lifting eyes on the transom, rather than using the stern carrying handles. There are D rings in on the outside of the port and starbord tubes, but they are affixed vertically which I think would not handle the load sufficiently.

Zodiac dealer suggests installing lifting eyes on the transom. I trust his recommendation. Any thoughts, suggestions?

I use a crane to launch my FC470. Currently, for the two stern attachment points I use one of the carrying handles on either side, which take the load quite well, and the bow "eye" attachment point. Thus, I use a 3 point attachment.

My question is whether I would be better off installing two lifting eyes on the transom, rather than using the stern carrying handles. There are D rings in on the outside of the port and starbord tubes, but they are affixed vertically which I think would not handle the load sufficiently.

Zodiac dealer suggests installing lifting eyes on the transom. I trust his recommendation. Any thoughts, suggestions?

I have everything to build my own rigging, just have another couple projects on the list before the sling project begins.

Many people use bow eyes/stern rings on the transom. They are a requirement at some of our hoists.

I prefer the idea of going all the way under the boat at the bow and passing the sling thru the handles to keep the bow strap in place.

Here is another way to do it adding in rings on the front sides.

You will need a lifting point to set the sling up correctly for balance. This can be a solid object or a forklift. Make sure the eye you use is large enough for the hoist you plan to launch from. Some are massive!

BTW the two D rings in the front I use for a towing/anchoring bridle. I built a bridle that is then passed thru the bow eye and has a knot at the end of it. I use a screw lock carabiner to attach the anchor rope to the bridle. This disperses the load over two attachment points when anchored and if one breaks I have redundancy. I need my boat to be there when I get back to the surface.

Hey! I recognize that boat. Ha. Thought I should comment on the current state of my sling set up. Each leg of my sling is rated at more than twice the weight of my entire boat. I had to add backing plates to my rated eye bolts at the transom to be in compliance at my local lift. I also want to use the lift at the Pier in Gaviota California. It is an even more tightly regulated lift. I have added a straight sling section that attaches to the forward overhead sling arms with two more shackles so that there is a continuous sling under the front of the boat (held in position by passing through the d rings). Seems like overkill, but it is a safe set up and is required. Zodiac advises that lifting rings be fixed to the bouyancy tubes, never on the floor. If you didn't watch the tube pressure you could pull the floor out I suppose. Whether you feel compelled to fill the requirements of our illustrious Parks department or not, they do have very nice illustrated instructions for proper lift use on a long drop. Check out the links on this page. http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=606

It is interesting that the Parks department prohibits Chinese shackles regardless of ratings stamped on them. I guess there are a lot of fakes. Be careful out there.

Great info, thank you very much. I like the idea of a "sling basket" under the bow, up through the handles to keep it in place. That makes more sense than using just the bow ring as the bow attachment point. As strong as the bow ring appears, it was a little sketchy when I hoisted the boat using the bow ring last weekend. I have some spare web/strap, I will fabricate something up.

Nice photos. If I ever find the time, get the lift training scheduled, wedge into the campground and rook a partner to launch with I will get to launch from the pier. Dang. Other than a few military check points and cartel drive by's going to Mexico is just so much easier to deal with!

Do the Rangers at Gaviota specifically require a single piece continuous forward sling or will my shackled (rated) extension probably work? I understand that my rated eyes with backing plates may not pass for the u bolts there.

Might have to stick with beach launching. Always entertaining!

My handles don't line up well with the hoist straps under tension. I think the added d rings are the way to go to guide the straps.